NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARABIAN AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT CO (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Basic Net Income per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Arabian American Development Co.	$ 6,309	$ 3,472	[1]	$ 11,095	$ 5,467	[1]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	24,110,000	24,084,000	[1]	24,108,000	24,064,000	[1]
Net Income Attributable to Arabian American Development Company (in dollars per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.14	[1]	$ 0.46	$ 0.23	[1]
Diluted Net Income per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Arabian American Development Co.	$ 6,309	$ 3,472	[1]	$ 11,095	$ 5,467	[1]
Dilutive stock options outstanding (in shares)	542,000	677,000	[1]	547,000	698,000	[1]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)	24,652,000	24,761,000	[1]	24,655,000	24,762,000	[1]
Net Income Attributable to Arabian American Development Company (in dollars per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.14	[1]	$ 0.45	$ 0.22	[1]
Exercisable, stock options (in shares)	449,189	1,093,180		449,189	1,093,180
Number of shares held in treasury by an outside party (in shares)	300,000	300,000		300,000	300,000

[1] (restated)